It is that time of year and now some of the Royal Family have released their Christmas card images.

The pictures show Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and Kate Middleton and Prince William in strikingly different Christmas card photos for 2018.

The new black-and-white picture of Meghan and Harry - who are due to welcome their first child next spring - is the first-ever photo to be made public from their wedding reception in May.

The intimate snap shows the couple putting their arms around each other and holding hands with their backs to the camera as an enormous fireworks display erupts over a lake at Frogmore House - the grounds of their future home in Windsor.

Meanwhile the picture of the Cambridges has a very different tone with all three children at the centre of the scene, reports the Mirror.

The adorable portrait of the Cambridges shows the relaxed and beaming family sat on a log in a wooded area at Anmer Hall, their country house in Norfolk.

It is the family's first Christmas card to feature Prince Louis, who was born in April.

Kate, wearing a jumper, is holding smiling Louis - dressed in a light blue top and dark blue shorts, tights and shoes - in her arms as Princess Charlotte, five, balances on the log with her arms around her parents.

Prince William is sat on the log next to Kate, with his top button undone and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

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Five-year-old Prince George, wearing Hunter wellies, blue trousers and a green jumper, playfully stands on one leg with his hands on his dad's shoulders.

The photos were revealed by Kensington Palace on Friday amid claims that there is a growing rift between the couples.

The picture of Meghan and Harry was taken during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding reception at Frogmore House on the night of May 19.

It was taken by Chris Allerton and features on their Christmas card.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry watch fireworks on their wedding day (Image: PA)

Kensington Palace tweeted: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share a new photograph from their Wedding Reception at Frogmore House on 19th May. The photograph, which features on Their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card, was taken by photographer Chris Allerton."

The photo of the Cambridges was taken by Matt Porteous earlier this year.

Kensington Palace tweeted: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to share a new photograph of their family. The photograph, taken by Matt Porteous, shows The Duke and Duchess with their three children at Anmer Hall, and features on Their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card this year."

Jersey-based professional photographer and filmmaker Mr Porteous has worked with the family on a number of occasions. He snapped portraits of George that were released on the future king's third birthday.

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Mr Porteous wrote on his Instagram page of the Cambridge's Christmas card photo: “It was an honour to be asked to photograph The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family at Anmer Hall. Capturing the fun and relaxed moments between such a wonderful family was a true privilege.”

Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall also released a Christmas card photo on Friday.

It shows the couple - Charles in a blue suit and tie and Camilla in a white dress - gazing at each other while they are sat on a wooden bench.